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I have a beautiful newborn (still at the hospital, actually), and I am wondering when her umbilical cord stump will fall off? The nurses told me not to mess with it, but how am I supposed to clean it or prevent her clothes from irritating it? What if it doesn’t come off on its own? (Is that possible?)
—Mariah P.
Congratulations!
While in utero, your baby is getting nutrients through the umbilical cord, and once they are born, this is no longer needed. The cord is cut, and internally, the arteries and veins that were connected will close off and transform into ligaments (human biology is so cool). The small wound where the umbilical cord was connected will heal and scar over — that’s the belly button.
When the umbilical cord is clamped and then cut, blood stops flowing through the cord to the stump. As with any tissue deprived of blood, it will eventually dry up and die. With the umbilical cord (fortunately), this is by design. Over the next two weeks or so, the stump will get drier and start to shrivel up. Eventually, it will just come off. If it has not happened in three weeks or so, you can call the doctor. But that’s very unlikely.
Until the stump falls off, you want to keep it dry and clean. This prevents the possibility of infection. Ideally, this means the belly button is exposed to air and, notably, not trapped under the diaper. For this first period, you can fold the diaper down so it doesn’t cover or press on the stump. Clothes — even onesies that cover the belly button — allow air flow, so they are fine to wear. Side-snap shirts can also work if you’re nervous.
You do not generally need to clean this unless it gets poop in it, in which case, a little gentle water and soap, plus careful drying. If you choose to give your baby a bath during this time, make sure the belly button is dry afterward.
To perhaps make it a bit simpler: think about this like a big scab. Keep it dry, and don’t pick at it, and it’ll be fine.
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